Security Incidents in Democratic Republic of Congo: Trends and Patterns
1 Executive Summary
This analysis examines security incidents affecting humanitarian operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo from 1996 to 2025, revealing significant patterns and trends. Key findings include:
- Political transition volatility: Security incidents peaked dramatically following the 2019 political transition, with incident levels reaching unprecedented heights in 2020.
- Kidnapping prevalence: Unlike other conflict contexts, kidnapping emerges as the predominant attack type, reflecting armed groups’ tactical choices in the DRC.
- Ambush vulnerability: Security incidents most frequently occur during ambushes, highlighting the risks associated with movement through the challenging terrain of eastern DRC.
- Nationals at highest risk: Congolese humanitarian workers face disproportionately higher security risks, particularly from kidnapping, compared to international personnel.
- Geographic hotspots: Road networks and transportation routes represent the most dangerous operational environments, requiring specialized security approaches.
These findings have critical implications for humanitarian operations, protection strategies, and security risk management in the complex and evolving DRC context.
2 Background: The Conflict
2.1 Historical Context
The conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo represents one of Africa’s most complex and enduring crises. Rooted in the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide, the violence has evolved through two major regional wars—the First Congo War (1996-1997) and the Second Congo War (1998-2003)—which collectively resulted in millions of deaths. Despite formal peace agreements, eastern DRC has remained unstable, with over 120 different armed groups competing for territory, resources, and influence in the mineral-rich regions of North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri provinces (Foreign Relations 2024).
2.2 Recent Escalation
In early 2025, M23 rebels, backed by Rwandan troops, captured Goma in eastern DRC, killing between 900-2,000 civilians and triggering mass displacement. This represented the culmination of escalating violence that began with M23’s resurgence in 2022 and their steady territorial gains throughout 2023. The situation had already deteriorated significantly following DRC’s contested December 2023 elections, which sparked nationwide unrest. During 2024, the humanitarian situation worsened dramatically, with:
- 358,000 newly displaced people
- 30% rise in violations against children
- Failure of the U.S.-brokered peace agreement from late 2023
- Intensification of conflict despite international diplomatic efforts
- Severe humanitarian access constraints in M23-controlled territories